Adopting and training Mustangs can be an incredibly fulfilling experience. As wild horses managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Mustangs are known for their hardiness, compact build, and generally good feet, making them relatively easy keepers. They often thrive living outdoors with access to hay or grass alone, requiring minimal supplementation. However, upon arrival, their feet may need trimming, and routine vaccinations are recommended, alongside twice-yearly deworming. The initial gentling process is crucial to acclimate them to handling, including hoof trimming and preparing them for veterinary care. A well-gentled Mustang should be easy to catch, lead, and allow their feet to be handled. While physical issues can arise, it’s rare for a Mustang to be deemed unrideable. For nutrition, while minimal supplementation is usually sufficient, individual needs vary. The author recommends Omega Alpha Body Flow, added fat, and Omega Alpha Biotic Eight probiotic for their Mustangs.
Understanding Herd Management Areas (HMAs)
The characteristics of a Mustang, including its size and color, are often linked to its Herd Management Area (HMA) of origin. HMAs are specific geographic regions managed by the BLM to oversee wild horse populations. While HMAs help categorize horses from particular areas, it’s important to remember that these are wild animals that may travel between HMAs.
Horses from Oregon HMAs, such as Warm Springs, are often noted for their calm demeanor and good temperament, making them suitable for beginners. One such horse, Elon, who originated from the Silver King’s HMA in Nevada, even won a championship buckle. Mustangs can exhibit traits from various breeds, as different domestic breeds have historically been released or escaped into the wild. For instance, horses in Utah may show Spanish breeding, while those from Oregon might display characteristics of ranch stock or even Saddlebreds. Researching the specific HMA can provide insights into the potential traits of a Mustang.
Personal Experiences with Mustang Training
The author shares a variety of personal experiences with Mustangs from different HMAs. A black Mustang from Antelope Valley was easy to handle and friendly but proved a bit stubborn and less motivated, requiring significant positive reinforcement. Meraki (bay from Nevada) and Kibou (from Warm Springs, Oregon) were among the easiest to start, although Meraki was initially more flighty and sensitive. Valenti, a talented and athletic horse with Spanish breeding from Bible Springs, Utah, required more trust-building and was initially spookier around objects like tarps. Elon and Timmy, both from the Silver Kings HMA in Nevada, exhibited distinct personalities despite their shared origin, with Elon being more easygoing and Timmy more prone to rushing. The author emphasizes addressing each horse as an individual while acknowledging that HMAs can suggest commonalities in build, hardiness, and movement. A new Palomino Mustang, Tom’s Treasure, from Antelope Valley, is also beginning the gentling process and shows some reactivity.
Navigating Mustang Acquisition Programs
The process for acquiring a Mustang differs for Americans and Canadians. The Mustang TIP (Training and Adoption Program) Challenge is a popular route, offering advantages like arranged pickup dates and handled paperwork. Through the TIP Challenge, horses typically cost $125, with a reduced fee of $25 for youth. In contrast, Mustang adoptions or auctions can see prices soar, especially for horses from desirable HMAs or with specific colors, sometimes exceeding $5,000 or even $10,000.
To enter a TIP Challenge, applicants complete a form on the BLM website. Once accepted, trainers select Mustangs, with selection methods varying from first-come, first-serve to ordered lists. Canadians and Americans may choose from separate groups of horses due to the distinction between “titled” or “sale authority” horses and “adoption” horses. Title to adoption horses remains with the government for one year before transfer, restricting their immediate movement outside the US. Canadians can only select from sale authority horses, which can leave immediately. A horse becomes a sale authority horse if it’s passed over three times at adoption events or challenges.
The TIP Challenges are particularly valuable as they are “in-hand” events, allowing trainers to build trust without the pressure of riding. Extreme Mustang Makeovers, on the other hand, require riding and conclude with a mandatory auction. Trainers participating in these events receive 50% of the sale price if they wish to purchase the horse. When picking up a Mustang, all necessary paperwork, including health certificates and vaccination records, will be provided. Canadians will need an additional USDA stamp on the health certificate for border crossing.
Owning and training a Mustang is a deeply rewarding experience, marked by milestones such as the first touch, halter application, first show, or overcoming an obstacle. The journey involves working with diverse personalities, and a gentle approach with ample positive reinforcement, as practiced through Harmony Horsemanship, can lead to significant growth and success. Those interested can find Mustang videos and resources on the Harmony Horsemanship Connection Club https://harmonyhorsemanshipacademy.org/p/hhacademy and additional free resources at https://harmonyhorsemanship.com/ or via the author’s personal website at https://www.lindseypartridge.com/. The dedication and love shown by trainers at Mustang challenges create a special environment focused on giving these horses the best possible start in life.
